VS
At a Glance
Power
147kW@3800
96 kW
Torque
437Nm@1800
285 Nm
Fuel
7.4L/100km
11.9 l/100km
Towing
2000kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
10s
18.0 s
Engine
2199cc
4164 cc
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Sorento delivers 147kW@3800 while the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 produces 96 kW. On fuel, the Sorento returns 7.4L/100km while the Land Cruiser 78 uses 11.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R441 995 for the Sorento and R998 700 for the Land Cruiser 78. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
KIA Sorento2.2 4x4 7-Seater AT 2009 - From R441 995
Toyota Land Cruiser 78Landcruiser 78 4.2d S/W 2026 - From R998 700
Performance
Power Output
147kW@3800
96 kW
Torque
437Nm@1800
285 Nm
0-100 kph
10s
18.0 s
Top Speed
190km/h
145 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2199cc
4164 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4L/100km
11.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80L
90 + 90 (total 180) l
CO2 Emissions
233g/km
313 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4685mm
5130 mm
Width
1885mm
1795 mm
Height
1710mm
2115 mm
Wheelbase
2700mm
2980 mm
Ground Clearance
184mm
235 mm
Kerb Weight
1920kg
2160 Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
1520kg
1040 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
3
Warranty Distance
100000km
100000 Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
18 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
20000
5000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sorento
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Sorento
Fuel Economy
Sorento
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Better fuel economy (7.4L/100km)
Lower starting price (R441 995)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10ss)
No factory service plan
Toyota Land Cruiser 78
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (11.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or Land Cruiser 78?
The Sorento uses 7.4L/100km and the Land Cruiser 78 uses 11.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sorento is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sorento or Land Cruiser 78?
The Sorento produces 147kW@3800 and 437Nm@1800 of torque while the Land Cruiser 78 delivers 96 kW and 285 Nm of torque. The Sorento is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Land Cruiser 78?
The Sorento starts from R441 995 and the Land Cruiser 78 from R998 700. The Sorento is cheaper by R556 705 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Land Cruiser 78?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg and the Land Cruiser 78 can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the Land Cruiser 78?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.